As a follow-up to Helsinki Commission hearings on the peace process in Northern Ireland held in 2000, this hearing will focus specifically on the status of policing reforms. U.S. policy regarding this aspect of the peace process will be reviewed.U.S. policy regarding this aspect of the peace process will be reviewed.

The hearing will also examine the work of institutions tasked with monitoring and encouraging progress in the peace process through police reform, including the investigation of complaints against the police and holding police officers accountable for human rights violations and other improper conduct. The impact of progress to date on the communities in Northern Ireland will also be assessed.

An un-official transcript will be available on the Helsinki Commission's web site at http://www.csce.gov within 24 hours of the hearing.

The United States Helsinki Commission, an independent federal agency, by law monitors and encourages progress in implementing provisions of the Helsinki Accords. The Commission, created in 1976, is composed of nine Senators, nine Representatives and one official each from the Departments of State, Defense and Commerce.